Turn-based games were all over the place during their heyday, a few decades ago. There could be multiple reasons for such popularity at that time. The graphical limitations of old computers could probably contribute to it. Another explanation could be that the developers were trying to keep the mechanics their players were more familiar with. Although not without some good innovations.
The style seems to have become less prevalent over the years. It appears as if most gamers no longer care about anything but action. Even those game series that have long upheld the traditional style have been moving away from it. Take, for example, Final Fantasy VII Remake with its way more action-oriented combat, compared to the original. It should be noted, however, that the developers plan to bring back the more classical mechanics in the next remake: Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis.
Still, there are some game series that have stuck to their roots, refusing to abandon the turn-based style. There are also indie developers, inspired by the classics and seeking to emulate their more traditional mechanics. The future looks surprisingly bright for turn-based games, with many companies returning to this type of gameplay. This is especially true in the RPG genre, as we hope to demonstrate with this 10 Promising Turn-Based RPGs expected in 2022.
URBAN STRIFE
- Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/710230/Urban_Strife
- Website: https://www.urbanstrifegame.com/
Being developed by White Pond Games, with Microprose as their publisher, Urban Strife is scheduled for release sometime in 2022. The developers describe it as an old-school turn-based strategy, with a mix of RPG and Survival elements. It takes place amidst the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world. The combat does look tactically intensive, from what they’ve shown. Weapons and bullet ballistics, especially, have a major impact on the gameplay.
You begin your journey, rescued by the survivors from Urban City Shelter. You suffer from amnesia, unable to recall anything that has happened up to that point. Soon, you learn that a zombie apocalypse happened two years ago. Now your goal is to gather a team, help the survivors, some of whom may join you, and, at last, bring people hope, amidst the dark times. In this, not only do you have to beware of the zombies, roaming the ruins, but also the remains of the human population, some of whom are now beyond negotiation.
SONGS OF CONQUEST
- Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/867210/Songs_of_Conquest/
- Website: https://www.songsofconquest.com/
Next on our list is a game called Songs of Conquest, being developed by Lavapotion. Their publishers, at Coffee Stain Publishing, aim to release it during the first quarter of 2022. The game looks to have that classic 90s’ big-box PC feel to it, full of character abilities and spells and with a long story-driven campaign. There’s even modding support, with players given access to the same engine the developers used to create their own narratives.
There also appears to be a deep simulation element in the game, with a strong focus on building and expanding your empire. A group of powerful magicians, called Wielders, will assist you in your task. They will follow your lead, as you journey across the world, forging your kingdom in a land divided between four factions. As to what exactly are these factions, here’s a quote from the Steam page:
“Arleon, knights of old battling each other for dominance. Rana, ancient tribes fighting for survival in the swamp. Loth, necromancers raising the dead to create a glorious future. Barya, bold mercenaries and inventors dedicated to coin, gunpowder and independence.”
BROKEN ROADS
- Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1403440/Broken_Roads/
- Website: https://www.brokenroadsgame.com/
Broken Roads has a different vibe than most other Isometric RPGs. Although similar to Urban Strife with its post-apocalyptic setting, it looks to differ vastly in its gameplay. Its developers, at Drop Bear Bytes, emphasize the importance of making “philosophical” choices, with a unique morality system, the Moral Compass, guiding players’ decisions. The mechanic sounds promising, though it’s unclear, as of now, how much effect it’ll have in-game.
As already mentioned, the game takes place during the post-apocalypse. The players will find themselves in an alternative version of the Australian outback, with many authentic locations to navigate through. As in most other RPGs, the game features a party system, with plenty of companions who’ll join the player on their travels across the wasteland. The emphasis, however, is still on the decision-making, rather than combat. The creators promise narrative-driven gameplay with many choices to make.
The publishers at Team 17 have scheduled the game for release sometime in 2022.
LOST EIDOLONS
Lost Eidolons, being developed and published by Ocean Drive Studio, is a turn-based RPG with strong strategic and tactical elements, as well as beautiful realistic graphics. The story takes place in a fantasy world, where forgotten gods walk the earth and cruel lords divide the land in ruthless feudal warfare.
The people had enough of the brutal rule of their unmerciful masters, rising in rebellion. That’s where the story begins, as you take on the role of a mercenary from a small town, who finds himself in a middle of a revolution and has no other choice but to fight for the rebels’ cause.
The developers plan to publish Lost Eidolons during the third quarter of 2022, with the Early Access release scheduled for earlier that year.
SEA OF STARS
Sea of Stars is being developed and published by Sabotage Studio, known for their critically acclaimed side-scrolling game The Messenger, released a few years ago. This time they aim for a retro-inspired RPG, in the likeness of Chrono Trigger and other classic JPRGs. The game is scheduled for release on PC and Nintendo Switch in 2022. Support for other consoles was also discussed in an early 2022 announcement.
The story of Sea of Stars revolves around two Children of the Solstice, Valere the Moongirl and Zale the Sunboy, who can unite their powers to perform Eclipse Magic. This special kind of magic is the only way to ward off monsters, created by the evil alchemist, who goes by the name of The Fleshmancer. The game will feature a soundtrack by the famous composer Yasunori Mitsuda, who had previously worked on no less game than Chrono Trigger!
THE IRON OATH
- Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/699330/The_Iron_Oath/
- Website: https://www.theironoath.com/
Being developed by Curious Panda Games, with their publishers at Humble Games, The Iron Oath does not yet have a release date. It’s a fantasy-themed game with tactical turn-based battles at its core. From the preview, it doesn’t seem like it will shy away from gore, either.
The player’s task is to lead and expand a band of mercenaries, with their only goal being to survive in the brutal land of Caelum. Their journey spans multiple centuries. Mercenaries will fight, age, retire and eventually die, as the world changes around them. As with most RPGs of this kind, there will be plenty of character customization with meaningful choices the players must make along the way.
BENEATH ORESA
Beneath Oresa is a deck-building roguelike, being developed and published by Broken Spear Inc. It has a tentative release date of 2022.
As the name implies, the battles you’ll fight take place deep under the city of Oresa, in special, “tactical”, as the developers call them, arenas. The somewhat cel-shaded graphics give the game a crisp style, almost like a comic book. You can select your heroes and companions, many with their own special abilities, as you deal with several in-game factions while building your deck.
The players will upgrade their cards using the custom Forked Improvement System. Here, you’ll have to carefully choose which upgrade will benefit you the most in the upcoming battles.
WARHAMMER 40,000: CHAOS GATE – DAEMONHUNTERS
Even without knowing anything about this game, most people have got to admit that it’s got one hell of a name! Being developed by Complex Games and published by Frontier Foundry, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is the latest installment in the Warhammer franchise, with its release planned for 2022.
The developers promise fast-paced and ruthless battles, with the player in command of a group of elite warriors, called Grey Knights, known as “humanity’s greatest weapon“. Not much is told about these soldiers, as you lead them through the grim darkness of the 41st millennium. The game offers many customization options for your warriors – including their voice, armor, and even facial expressions! It also has great visuals, at least from what the developers have shown so far.
GOBLIN STONES
Being developed and published by Orc Chop Games, Goblin Stones has a release date sometime in May 2022. While many games are played from a point of view of a human or an elven hero, this one is done from the perspective of their traditional enemies – a tribe of goblins. Decimated in recent conflicts now they must unite and fight back to ensure the survival of their species.
Goblin Stones is a 2D strategy with strong RPG elements, as well as some Dungeon Crawler mechanics. It also has beautiful hand-drawn graphics. Although the world is procedurally generated, the developers aim for a narrative-driven campaign, where players’ choices do matter. The story is promised to be fully narrated, with music by Peter McConnell, known for his work at LucasArts.
CRIMSON TACTICS: THE RISE OF THE WHITE BANNER
The last game on this list is a tactical JRPG – very classic for the genre. The release will be in March 2022, according to the Steam page. From the gameplay standpoint, the title looks fairly traditional. Its developers and publishers, Black March Studios, cite Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Ogre, and Crimson Tactics as inspirations.
The story, too, appears to be very standard. It involves a sinister, fanatical empire and a traitor, attempting to usurp the rightful throne. It also takes place in a customary fantasy medieval universe. There’s almost no doubt that if you liked the above-mentioned games – you’ll enjoy this one, as well.
You can learn more about these games and the world of turn-based RPGs & Strategy Games on turnbasedlovers.com
Scott Jeslis
Nice list Suzie! Thanks for including the links as well! Made it easy to wishlist several of these!